Verne Troyer who was best known for his part as 'Mini Me' in Austin Powers has died aged 49.

The actor - one of the shortest men in the world - was placed under involuntary psychiatric hold earlier this month after his worried friends rang the emergency services for help.

The Austin Powers actor, 49, was being kept under observation after he was rushed to hospital from his north Hollywood home amid concerns he was "extremely upset, drunk and suicidal", one of his friends told paramedics.

Verne Troyer has died aged 49 (Image: Liverpool Echo)

His death was confirmed on social media accounts last night, Saturday April 21.

He was in Lincoln's Bavarian bar Bierkeller just last month for a meet and greet event.

He met with residents of Lincoln and party goers on Thursday March 22.

A message confirming his death was posted to his Instagram account. It said: "It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today.

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"Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh. Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible. Verne hoped he made a positive change with the platform he had and worked towards spreading that message everyday.

Verne Troyer died aged 49

"He inspired people around the world with his drive, determination, and attitude. On film and television sets, commercial shoots, at comic-con’s and personal appearances, to his own YouTube videos, he was there to show everyone what he was capable of doing."

The post continued: "Even though his stature was small and his parents often wondered if he’d be able to reach up and open doors on his own in his life, he went on to open more doors for himself and others than anyone could have imagined. He also touched more peoples hearts than he will ever know.